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If you are really wanting to do it yourself, you will need equipment (Yes I know---DUH). If I were you I'd find another tractor first. I personally like John deere, but they are expensive. If this is to be a minimum cost start up, look for a tractor like a Farmall 300. You need 40 hp or so, and should have live pto. The tractor of that size need not be diesel. Other makes, look at the Oliver Super77, a MF 65, AC D17. Be sure that you get the three point hitch and remote hydraulics for at least one remote cylinder. A simple sicklebar mower will be the cheapest method of cutting your hay. A MowerConditioner would be better, because it "conditions" the hay and can windrow it as well. Conditioning cuts down drying time, and windrowing saves a raking operation (and will extend drying time by perhaps a day), but a good, functioning moco, like a NH 479 or a JD 1209 will cost a lot more than a simple mowing machine. Look for a ground driven pull type rake. The rakes with a "dolly wheel" are lots easier to hook up to, but can't turn as sharp. Five bars does a better job than four bars, and will likely be newer and more expensive, A JD 640 or a NH 56 are good, older choices. If it is horsehay, small squares are the best choice for feed. They are a lot easier to feed---you just put out what you want them to have, and don't have to worry about self feeding too much, or wastage, like with large round bales. You won't need a bale mover with small square bales OR a tractor big enough to pick up 1500-1800, or more pounds of big bale. You will need a hay wagon (or two). These can cost as little as $2-300 (depending on how good) all the way up to $750 or more. Balers should be either a John Deere or a New Holland. There are other brands, but if you are a novice, I think you will get far better dealer support and assistance with these two brands than you will with say an IHC or MF or Ford or AC or whatever baler. There will be plenty of people who swear by such makes, but---there will be fewer parts, fewer dealer technitians who can fix and adjust one, and the used examples you are likely to find will often be offered for sale for very good reasons---they probably arne't in the best working condition! Wanting to do your own hay means that YOU will not have to try to cajole someone else into baling your hay immediately, with the threat of inclemment weather looming on the horizon. You cannot always rely on someone else when you need timely services. It's just that doing it yourself might not be terribly inexpensive considering the startup costs of even well used equipment! It is also a lot of work! Satisfying work, but work it is!
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